J-McKech

Hey guys, I'm kind of interested in getting a BMX bike. I just built up a Surly Instigator Freeride bike but I'm trying to keep it only for mountain biking. I'm transfering to a new school in the fall and living right near campus so I'd like to get a beater for riding around campus and riding to work. A bmx bike looks to be my most versitle choice. I have no idea about them from sizing all the way to whats even a good bike. I picked through the "search", I'm not a newb . I'm just looking for information. I have a little background knowledge about bikes in general so maybe buying a good frame and piecing it together would be a fun idea. I need to keep it cheap, since I just got the Surly. Maybe under $200? Thanks guys.

Brian

Dude, you can buy a BMX in the states for nexta nuttin. If you're a grown up, or reasonably tall, I'd look for a used cruiser with 24" wheels. But that's just me.

MadMan2k

Frames for BMX bikes seem to be really expensive new... You can get a good complete bike for $350, but that's about how much good quality frames seem to cost.

https://danscomp.com/ - They have a lot of parts and etc you can look at, but I'd probably suggest getting a complete bike. I don't think they sell junk there, except maybe the lowest-end bikes for like $150...
This one seems pretty nice to me:
https://www.danscomp.com/cgi-bin/haze...IL&item=101810

sxe fbm rider

Danscomp is the way to go. I wouldnt get a 24" bike if you want to get into stunt riding at all. I'm 6'3" and my 20" bike is just fine. If you want a less expensive complete bike from dans, I would go with one of the fit complete bikes, but not the cheapest one. One that's just over $200 would serve you better.

FLyBOy

Well, if you're just going to be mostly 'riding around', I wouldn't spend to much on a nice bmx bike that you don't really need. Bmx bikes are built for abuse, not just riding around. And if you want it to be around 200$, then you are DEFINETLY going to have to buy a lower-end complete bike. You absolutely WILL NOT be able to build a bike from the frame up with only 200$, unless it is going to be complete and utter crap. Most of the CHEAPEST frames START at 200$, then AT LEAST another 200$ for a cheap parts package. Then you have to put it all together, and if you cannot do that, then it will cost you an EXTRA 30 bucks. So you will definetly NOT be able to build a custom bike with 200$; however, you will be able to get a complete bike for around there. But it still seems like a waist to me for just 'riding around' UNLESS you plan to get into bmx riding. Oh, and by the way, like everybody else says, danscomp.com is the place to go for good quality bike parts.

sxe fbm rider

If you want a beater for riding around, your best bet would be to pick up an old road bike at a yeard sale for $5. You wont get a half decent bmx bike unless you pay at least $300 but those old road bikes people throw away are usually really nice and more fit for a grown person.

J-McKech

I got a road bike, a crappy mountain bike and a Freeride bike. I'm looking for a BMX bike just to really play around on and use it for commuting around. I have seen a couple of decently priced bikes on danscomp.com from round $200-$250. When I had the build up in mind, I figured I could hit up ebay and some sells. Good or bad idea?

sxe fbm rider

Totally, ebay can turn out some decent bikes, just post it here and ask if it's worth bidding on before you do.

CMcMahon

I can't even begin to imagine why you'd want to use a BMX bike for commuting, but, hey, whatever floats your boat.

And if you're looking for something quality for cheap, eBay is definitely your best bet. Just keep an eye out for sketchy sellers.

J-McKech

Hahaha, It's a simple design and rather cheap. Your question reminds me of the question my mountain bike buddies ask when we ride "Why is your seat so low?"

CMcMahon

I think that you're missing the my reasoning, but whatever. It's your money.

J-McKech

I think your reasoning is that a bmx bike shouldn't be used for commuting, which is understandable. I only want to keep one bike at school for space purposes and I figured a small bmx bike would be my best bet. Would be great to ride around play on and ride to work, which is only 2miles away tops. But I understand your reasoning.

Back to the bikes. I have found some interesting frames on ebay. DK, Freeagent, Schwinn, GT. Can ya'll tell about these frames or just frames to avoid in general.

dcdude

I commute to the train station almost every day - a good 2 miles away id say - and I ride a Haro sx comp, its 350 new(complete, not a frame) and its an amazing bike. comes with a 3 piece crank and its extremely light and fast. i disagree with the others saying you shouldnt commute on a bmx.

queensrider86

Why commute on a bmx? Bmx bikes are far from comfortable.Mountain or road bikes have suspension

dcdude

first of all he said his commute was only 2 miles. thats a hop skip and a jump, you wont be uncomfortable on a bmx for that short of time.

second, he said he just wants something to tool around on as well as his short commute

and also he wants to keep it cheap.

MadMan2k

Yeah, get one of the light weight racing ones. Preferably a 24" at that...

queensrider86

he should get a bmx if he knows how to bunnyhop

J-McKech

I should get a bmx if I know how to bunnyhop? I think that's a completely ridiculous comment. Thats like me saying, "You should only get a mountain bike if you can do a 10ft drop."

Brian

Consider the source. Queenieboy's only a kid.

queensrider86

i mean that if you know how to ride street or jump obstacles, it would be good to buy a bmx. bmx bikes are not comfortable to ride around. they are low, they have no suspension, and they have no option of gearing

FLyBOy

Who are you to go around and say that to people? It just makes you look like a kid.

Brian

Funny, I doubt anyone has any idea what I "Look like". It's good to know he has a big brother to defend him, but his comment read like something a kid would write, not an adult. It appears I'm not the only one that felt his post was "Ridiculous". Get over yourself.

[note] Queensrider86, I understand your comment now, and I agree. You meant to say that if he can hop curbs and stuff, a BMX would be a fun way to make the short commute. Am I right?

PrototypeFC3S

I have a Hoffman D130 Star Series, and I paid about $200 - $250 for it, cant really remember. I've been trying to find dirtjumps in my area for a solid 2 weeks now, and nothing has come up.

Now that I cant find anything, I've been commuting between both my jobs, and its very practical. Gets me where I want to go quick and easy. I think a BMX would be a good choice if you want a low maintenance bike.

FLyBOy

Ok, I'm not going to make an arguement over this, and I know that you would probably like to stay away from that also. I should not of butted-in, it was none of my buisness. And I did mispeak about you 'looking like' anybody, since obviosly no one can see anyone on these forums unless they post a picture in which this case you haven't.

mozzie_marshall

i find bmx a great way to commute short distances. they may not be the most practical bike for the job but its all about their great feel! (dont tell me its just me)